Patient transfer device

ABSTRACT

A patient transfer device allows diagnostic testing such as X-rays, MRI, CAT scans, etc. to be performed upon a patient while the patient remains on the transfer device. Such a device allows a patient, and especially an injured patient, to remain on the same transfer device during transport to a hospital or care center, to and from a room or a waiting area, to and from a testing area, and to and from a treatment area, eliminating the need to repeated move the patient onto and off of conventional transport devices or beds. Allowing the patient to remain on the same transport device relatively undisturbed minimizes any further injury to the patient caused by repeated movement of an injured body part.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/690,534, filed Jun. 15, 2005, which isincorporated herein in its entirety.

2. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a patient transfer device. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a patient transfer devicewhich allows diagnostic testing such as imaging using X-rays to beperformed upon the patient without removal of the patient from thetransfer device.

3. State of the Art

Medical and veterinary staff often find it necessary to move patientsfrom one bed or location to another. Several devices exist for thepurpose of making these activities easier, and have the added benefit ofreducing friction and the mechanical force required to move a patientfrom one surface to another. It is however appreciated that moving aninjured patient is often harmful or somewhat risky to the patient asfurther injury may occur. This is especially the case where an injuryinvolves broken bones or damaged tissue.

Patients, and in particular patients that are incapacitated and cannotmove, are often placed on a widely used and commonly known plastictransfer boards. The transfer boards are used to transport a patient toa hospital or care facility, to and from beds, examination beds andtables, diagnostic machines, etc. Patients which are being treated at ahospital or care facility are often required to have x-ray films takenof a certain body part. The patient is typically transferred to a morespecialized X-ray table.

The placement of films under the patient, and also the transfer ofpatients from surface to surface pose several significant problems forthe patient and or medical staff. The patient is typically not capableof moving under their own power if a transfer board is being used, andmovement of the patient to and from a transfer board is not easy formedical personnel. Movement of the patient may damage injured bodyparts, cause the patient pain, or otherwise aggravate a medical problem.

It is easily appreciated that a problem exists with the current means ofpatient transport, in particular relating to Emergency Medical Services,and the backboards by which they transport patients. For example, apatient is placed on a backboard, in the field, and then is transferredrepeatedly from surface to surface or even from board to board withinthe hospital setting. The patient may be repeatedly moved between theEMS backboard, hospital bed, hospital transfer board, examination bed,surgery bed, etc. The number of times which a patient may be movedincreases discomfort and risk of bodily injury to the patient.

Also, a problem exists with current transfer boards in that the handlesthat are attached to the transfer board frequently get in the way andhinder movement of a patient onto and off of the transfer board. Afurther problem also exists with current transfer boards in that thetransfer/transport boards are not comfortable for patients which mayspend extended amounts of time resting on them. Discomfort, and possiblytissue damage such as bruising or ulceration, may occur when a personremains in one position

There is thus a need for a patient transfer device which overcomes thelimitations of available devices and methods for transferring patientsand performing diagnostic tests upon the same. Specifically, there is aneed for a patient transfer device which allows a patient to remain onthe device during transfer or transport, and during diagnostic testingsuch as X-rays.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved patienttransfer (or transport) device and method for using the same.

According to one aspect of the invention, a patient transfer device isprovided which provides greater comfort for a patient on the device. Thedevice may be constructed with flexible materials which allow the deviceto conform somewhat to the patient's body. Additionally, a device may beconstructed which provides a padded surface for the patient to rest on.

According to another aspect of the invention, a transfer device may beprovided which allows diagnostic testing such as X-rays or MRIs to beperformed on the patient without removing the patient from the device.The device may be constructed from a material which does not block orotherwise hinder the diagnostic test. Thus X-rays, for example, may passthrough the device so as to allow X-ray images to be taken of thepatient while on the transfer device. The X-ray film may be placed belowthe device, or in pockets or openings in the device. The device may alsohave an arm or other means for holding X-ray film or the like to theside of or in a desired position around a patient on the device,allowing X-ray images to be created of virtually any part of thepatient's body without moving the patient from the transport device orotherwise adjusting the position of the patient.

According to another aspect of the invention, a transport device isprovided which provides sufficient rigidity for transporting a patientwhile at the same time allowing the performing of diagnostic tests suchas taking X-rays while the patient is on the device. The transportdevice may be formed with multiple layers to thereby increase therigidity of the device. The device may also be formed with reinforcingstructures such as ribs or channels to thereby increase the rigidity.

According to another aspect of the invention, a transport device may beprovided which is formed with retractable handles. The handles may beextended or otherwise positioned to allow medical personnel to move thedevice and patient, and retracted to allow for storage, diagnostictesting, etc.

These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention arerealized in a patient transfer device as shown and described in thefollowing figures and related description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention are shown and described inreference to the numbered drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 shows a partial side view of a patient transport device of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 shows a partial view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 shows a top view of a slider of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a slider of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a top view of a slider of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a partial top view of a slider of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows a partial top view of a slider of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a side view of a slider of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a side view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 shows a side view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 shows an end view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 shows a top view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an arm of a patient transport deviceof the present invention;

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a patient transport device of thepresent invention;

FIG. 18 shows a top view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 shows a partial perspective view of a patient transport deviceof the present invention;

FIG. 20 shows a side view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 21 shows a bottom view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a reinforcing structure of thepresent invention;

FIG. 23 shows a top view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 shows a top view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 25 shows a cross sectional view of a patient transport device ofthe present invention;

FIG. 26 shows a top view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 27 shows a top view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 28 shows a partial cutaway view of a patient transport device ofthe present invention;

FIG. 29 shows a top view of a slider of the present invention;

FIG. 30 shows a cross sectional view of a patient transport device ofthe present invention;

FIG. 31 shows a bottom view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 32 shows a bottom view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 33 shows a bottom view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 34 shows a top view of a patient transport device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 35 shows a top view of a handle of a patient transport device ofthe present invention;

FIG. 36 shows a perspective view of a handle of a patient transportdevice of the present invention;

FIG. 37 shows an end view of a handle of a patient transport device ofthe present invention;

FIG. 38 shows an end view of a handle of a patient transport device ofthe present invention;

FIG. 39 shows a perspective view of a handle of a patient transportdevice of the present invention; and

FIG. 40 shows a perspective view of a handle of a patient transportdevice of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and notlimiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appendedclaims. The various embodiments shown accomplish various aspects andobjects of the invention. It is appreciated that not all aspects of theinvention may be clearly shown in a single figure. Thus, multiplefigures may be used to illustrate the various aspects of a singleembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention and accompanying drawings will now be discussed inreference to the numerals provided therein so as to enable one skilledin the art to practice the present invention. The drawings anddescriptions are exemplary of various aspects of the invention and arenot intended to narrow the scope of the appended claims.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a top view of a patient transport deviceaccording to the present invention is shown. The transport device istypically the size of a person, and may be about 6 feet long and about 2feet wide. Other sizes may be formed for children, animals, etc. Thetransport device 10 is formed with an upper layer 14 and a lower layer18 having an opening 22 formed therebetween. The upper layer 14 andlower layer 18 are typically joined at various locations along thetransport device (such as the ends and possibly in the central portion)to thereby form a unitary device of sufficient rigidity to carry apatient. The opening 22 allows for the insertion of X-ray film betweenthe upper layer 14 and lower layer 18 for diagnostic testing, as will bediscussed in greater detail.

The transport device 10 is typically formed with handles 26 formedtherein to facilitate carrying the transport device and therebytransporting a patient. The handles 26 may be formed in the upper layer14, lower layer 18, or both. It is appreciated that the locations of thehandles 26 are often chosen to best support the weight of the patientalong the device 10, and as such it is common to form handles on theends of the device and in the center of the sides of the device.

A significant purpose of the present invention is to provide a transportdevice which does not interfere with diagnostic testing such as X-rays,MRI, CAT scans, etc. As such, the device must be made of appropriatematerials and in appropriate thicknesses and shapes to not interferewith such tests. Typically, the transport device is made with materialswhich allows transmission of a significant amount of the testing rays,etc. through the device. Herein, the term “radio translucent” is used todenote materials and construction which allows substantial transmissionof the waves or frequencies used for X-rays, MRI, CAT scans, and thelike. Such materials may include plastics and other materials which donot significantly occlude the testing rays. It is commonly known thatmany materials will transmit a substantial portion of these desiredtesting waves when relatively thin, but will not transmit sufficientamounts of the testing waves when too thick. Thus, radio translucent asused herein means that the desired areas of the patient transport deviceare constructed of an appropriate material at an appropriate thicknessso as to not interfere with diagnostic testing such as X-rays, MRI, CATscans, etc. It is appreciated that one material may be suitable forX-rays, where another material is better suited for different types oftests. It is also appreciated that many materials such as metals willblock or otherwise significantly interfere with these testing rays evenwhen very thin, and as such are not within the definition of radiotranslucent and are inappropriate for forming the body of the transportdevice.

Even materials such as plastics will interfere with these testing raysif they are too thick. As such, the device is typically formed withlayers of materials which are thin enough to not significantly interferewith testing. One suitable material is polypropylene. The device 10 maybe formed with a relatively thin (often between 1 inch and ⅛ of an inch,and more often about ⅜ or ¼ of an inch) upper layer 14 and lower layer18, both formed of polypropylene. The device may alternatively be formedof other materials or combinations of materials. It is appreciated thatthe X-rays need only pass through the upper layer 14 relativelyunobstructed if the X-ray film is placed between the upper layer and thelower layer 18, and as such the lower layer may be thicker for strength.

It is appreciated that many other materials such as polyethylene,acrylic, etc. may be selected based upon desired characteristics such asoptical clarity, strength, resilience, etc. so long as the material doesnot interfere with the desired testing. Thus, the device may be formedwith a combination of different materials.

The transport device 10 may also typically include a sliding mechanism30 (a “slider”). The sliding mechanism or slider may be used tofacilitate the placement of X-ray film or the like between the upperlayer 14 and lower layer 18. As the upper layer 14 is commonly formed ofrelatively thin plastic, the weight of patient on the transport devicewill bend the upper layer into contact with the lower layer. The slider30 is disposed between the upper layer 14 and lower layer 18 and may beused to open or widen the opening 22 between the upper layer and lowerlayer to facilitate the placement of X-ray film or the like.Additionally, a T handle 34 or other pushing and/or pulling device maybe included to further facilitate the placement of the film in theopening 22. The bottom layer 18 may extend beyond the top layer 14 toallow for easier placement of X-ray film, etc.

A notch 36, in addition to holes or the like, may be formed in thetransport device 10 to allow for easy attachment of medical equipment,such as endotracheal tubes, monitoring lines, IV lines, mounting poles,and the like. Such equipment may be attached to the transport device bybolts, bands, straps, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, etc.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of an alternate patient transport device 10′which is similar to that of FIG. 1 except that it has arms 42 which areconfigured to receive and hold in a desired position X-ray film or thelike. It is appreciated that the arms 42 may be formed in a variety ofdifferent shapes, and are typically configured to position X-ray filmadjacent the transport device to allow for taking of X-ray images of thepatient from a variety of angles.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the device 10 of FIG. 1. It is seen that theupper layer 14 and lower layer 18 are joined at the ends 46 of thetransport device. Joiner pieces 50 may be used to create a space 22between the upper layer 14 and lower layer 18. It can be also seen thatthe upper layer 14 and lower layer 18 need not be the same thickness.One may be thicker than the other. The slider is not shown for clarity.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of an end 46 of the patienttransport device 10 of FIG. 1. It can be seen how a handle 26 is formedin the upper layer 14. It is also appreciated that the upper layer 14need not extend so far, and the handle 26 may thus be formed in theupper layer 14, lower layer 18, and joiner piece 50.

FIG. 5 shows a partial cross sectional view of an end 46 of the patienttransport device 10 of FIG. 1. It can be seen how the slider 30 is usedto aid in the formation of the opening 22 between the upper layer 14 andlower layer 18. The slider 30 may be made slightly thicker than theopening 22 as shown, or may be made slightly thinner or the samethickness as the opening as is desired. The upper layer 14 may beslightly unattached as shown at 54 to facilitate placement of an X-rayfilm close to the end of the opening 22.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the slider 30 of FIG. 1. The slider 30 may beformed with bearings (termed bearings, these are typically rollers orwheels) 58, and may include wheels which only extend from the top, andwheels 62 which only extend from the bottom to allow the slider to moveeasily. Such top wheels 58 and bottom wheels 62 may be arranged in analternating pattern. FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the slider ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of an alternate construction of slider 30 ofFIG. 1 where the slider 30 has retractable handles 66. FIG. 9 shows adetail of FIG. 8, showing how a spring 70 or other biasing device may beused to bias the handle 66 towards the slider 30. FIG. 10 shows anotherview of the handle 66 in an extended position. FIG. 11 shows a side viewof the slider 30 of FIG. 8, showing the extension and retraction ofhandle 66.

FIG. 12 shows a side view of the transport device 10 of FIG. 1. Thetransport device 10 may be made somewhat flexible (shown exaggeratedhere) so as to conform somewhat to a patient's body, increasing thepatients comfort. Such flexing and conformation may occur where apatient is kept on a transport device even when on a bed so as tofacilitate transportation for X-ray or other testing without lifting thepatient off the bed and onto a transport device. Keeping the patient ona transport device during periods of moving a patient to a hospital orcare center, waiting, testing, etc. may minimize unintentional bendingor moving of the patient's body, thereby minimizing the risk ofadditional injury.

FIG. 13 illustrates how the transport device 10 of FIG. 1 may be formedwith hinged joints 74 to facilitate some bending as discussed above.

FIG. 14 shows a cross sectional view of the transport device 10 of FIG.1 and illustrates how the device may be formed with elevated handles 26,or elevated side walls, to facilitate movement of the transport deviceor to increase the resistance of the transport device to bending.

FIG. 15 illustrates how the transport device may be formed with alattice 78 if such is desired to increase patient comfort. Such shouldbe accomplished with minimal impact on the ability to perform X-rayimaging and other diagnostic testing.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the transport device 10 of FIG. 1,illustrating how an arm 82 may be attached to the device 10. The arm 82is not shown in FIG. 1 for clarity. The arm 82 may be a flexible arm, ora hinged arm, etc. and typically includes a clamp 86 or other means forholding a piece of X-ray film 90 or other necessary diagnostic equipmentor supplies. Thus, the arm 82 allows an X-ray to be taken of areas orviews of a patient without moving the patient. For example, a top viewof the patient's arm may be taken by placing the film under the patientin the opening (22, FIG. 1) and a side view may be taken by using arm 82to position the film nest to the patient's arm. The device thus allowsX-rays or other diagnostic testing to be performed from a variety ofdirections without repositioning the patient. The various structuresdetailed in FIG. 1 are not shown in this figure for clarity, but areunderstood to be part of the Figure.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of an alternate configuration of thetransport device 10″ of FIG. 1. The transport device 10″ includes aplurality of extendable handles 94. The handles 94 may extend andretract into the body of the device 10″. Alternatively, extensionhandles 94 may be formed with flexible straps connected to handleportions. FIG. 18 shows a top view of the patient transport device 10″of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 shows a detailed perspective view of a possible constructionmethod for the transport devices previously shown (device 10 of FIG. 1,device 10′ of FIG. 2, device 10″ of FIG. 17). The transport device maybe formed with a layer of padding 98 attached to the upper layer 14. Thepadding 98 will typically be a foam such as polyurethane. The padding 98may significantly add to patient comfort while having a minimal effecton any interference the device would have on diagnostic testing. Thedevice may also be constructed with attachment points 102 for removablyattaching handles to the device. FIG. 20 shows a side view of theconstruction method of FIG. 19, illustrating how the padding 98 wouldtypically extend across the upper surface of the device.

FIG. 21 shows a bottom view of a transport device (10, 10′, 10″),illustrating how the lower layer 18 of the device may be alternativelyformed with channels or ridges 106 extending along the device, or formedwith a lateral support assembly 106 attached to the device at attachmentpoints 110. FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the lateral supportassembly 106 of FIG. 21, illustrating how transverse support members 114may be attached to the lateral support assembly 106, and integrated intothe device.

FIG. 23 shows a top view of the patient transport device 10 (it will beappreciated that this discussion applies to all of the devices shownherein 10, 10′, 10″) illustrating how the transport device 10 mayreceive X-ray film 114, 114′, 114″ or other diagnostic equipment orsupplies. The film 114 may be inserted into the opening 22 in the device10, and may be inserted to any desired depth and at any desired positionalong the device. The slider (30, FIG. 1, not shown) may be used to aidin opening the opening 22 and creating a space to receive the film 114.FIG. 24 shows another top view of the device 10 as shown in FIG. 23. Itis thus appreciated that the device allows X-rays and other diagnostictest to be performed without unnecessarily moving the patient from bedto bed or surface to surface.

For performing X-rays and similar procedures, the patient is typicallytransported to a hospital and throughout a hospital on a transportdevice 10, and often remains on the transport device until testing iscompleted. The patient is brought to a testing room and the patient andtransport device are placed on a testing bed or table. X-ray film or thelike are inserted into a desired location along the opening of thedevice and X-rays are taken. The arm previously shown may be used totake additional X-rays from different directions or along portions ofthe patient's body which are not accessible through the transportdevice. The transport device is constructed of appropriate types andthicknesses of material to not interfere with these tests. The patientmay then be transported on the device to a desired room, operation room,etc. The device minimizes unnecessary moving of the patient onto and offof surfaces alone, which places much more stress on the patient's body.The above process is similar for MRI or CAT scans or other tests, withthe exception that the patient and transport device may be placedtogether inside of a testing or imaging machine. The transport device istypically constructed of types and thicknesses of material which doesnot interfere with these tests. FIG. 25 shows a cross sectional view ofan X-ray film 114 being inserted into the transport device 10.

FIG. 26 shows a top view of a transport device 10 and a style of slider30 as have been discussed previously. It is illustrated how the slidermay be constructed for easy rotation as well as sliding linearly,allowing the slider 30 to pivot as shown (30′). FIG. 27 shown anothertop view of the transport device 10 and slider 30 of FIG. 26,illustrating how the slider may move along a slot 118 which maintainsthe slider centered in the transport device. FIG. 28 shows a cut awaydetailed view of the transport device 10 and slot 118 shown in FIG. 27,illustrating how the slider 30 may have a pivot 122 which keeps theslider in the slot and allow for linear movement of the slider along theslot and for pivoting of the slider.

FIG. 29 shows a detailed view of the slider 30 of FIG. 27, illustratinghow the slider may be formed with the pivot 122, bearings or wheelassemblies 126 which allow easy movement of the slider, and handles 130to facilitate movement of the slider, and if so designed, for carryingof the transport device 10 (not shown). FIG. 30 shows a detailed crosssectional view of the slider 30 of FIG. 27, showing how the bearing 126may be a ball captured in the slider 30, and may include a bearinghousing 134 or additional support 138. Alternatively, the bearing may bea wheel or ball type bearing which extends only from one side of theslider 30 as previously shown, and may thus include multiple bearingsalternatively extending from either side of the slider.

FIG. 31 shows a bottom view of a transport device 10 illustrating howretractable handles 142 may be attached to the transport device. Thehandles 142 may be disposed in channels or slots 146 and slide in thechannels or slots. FIG. 32 further shows the handles 142 of FIG. 31,illustrating how the handles are extended, and how the slots 146 may beformed with stops 150 to limit the extension of the handles.

FIG. 33 further illustrates the retractable handles 142 of FIG. 31,illustrating how the retractable handles may be attached to a carryingframe or handle extension 154. FIG. 34 shows another view of theextendable handles of FIG. 33, illustrating how the handles 142 may bepivotably attached to the transport device 10 and the frame or handleextension 154 pivotably attached to the handles 142, allowing theassembly to pivot as shown for convenience in use.

FIG. 35 further illustrates the handles 142 of FIG. 31, illustrating howthe handles may comprise a handle portion 158 attached to a handle body162 by a hinge 166, allowing the handle portion to be bent to a desiredposition for use. FIG. 36 shows a perspective view of the handleassembly of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 shows an alternate handle configuration whereby two handles 170are attached together by a biasing member 174, which may be anelastomeric member or a spring or the like. The biasing member 174biases the handles 170 into a retracted position. The handles may haveoverlapping extensions 178 which may strengthen the handles. FIG. 38shows a view of the handles 170 of FIG. 37 in an extended position,illustrating the biasing member 174 and overlapping extensions 178. FIG.39 shows a perspective view of the handles 170 of FIG. 37.

FIG. 40 shows a perspective view of a handle configuration whereby thehandle 182 is formed with a ring 186 to either permanently or removablyreceive a handle extension such as shaft 190. Such a handle extensionmay pass through multiple handles on the same side of the transportdevice (any of those shown herein) and form an elongated handle which iseasy to use. Additionally, a removable extension shaft 190 may be formedof a rigid material such as steel without concern with interference withdiagnostic tests, as it may be removed prior to testing procedures. Suchillustrates another principle of the invention, that a transport devicemay include removable portions for use in transporting the device or instrengthening the device, but which may be removed so as to notinterfere with diagnostic testing.

There is thus disclosed an improved patient transfer device. It will beappreciated that numerous changes may be made to the present inventionwithout departing from the scope of the claims.

1. A patient transfer device comprising: an upper layer of radiotranslucent material configured for receiving a patient thereon; a lowerlayer of material attached to the upper layer of material; and anopening between the upper layer and the lower layer configured forreceiving X-ray film or the like.
 2. The patient transfer device ofclaim 1, wherein the lower layer is radio translucent.
 3. The patienttransfer device of claim 1, wherein the lower layer is attached to theupper layer at the ends thereof.
 4. The patient transfer device of claim1, wherein the lower layer is attached to the upper layer via a joinerpiece.
 5. The patient transfer device of claim 1, further comprisinghandles formed in the ends thereof.
 6. The patient transfer device ofclaim 5, further comprising handles formed in the sides thereof.
 7. Thepatient transfer device of claim 6, wherein the side handles are formedonly in the lower layer.
 8. The patient transfer device of claim 1,wherein the lower layer is wider than the upper layer.
 9. The patienttransfer device of claim 1, further comprising a slider disposed betweenthe upper layer and the lower layer, the slider being slideable alongthe length of the opening between the upper layer and the lower layer.10. The patient transfer device of claim 9, wherein the slider comprisesa plurality of rollers.
 11. The patient transfer device of claim 1,further comprising a plurality of retractable handles.
 12. A patienttransfer device comprising: a generally planar board, the board havingan upper surface configured for supporting a patient thereon; and anopening formed in the generally planar board, the opening extendingthrough a first side of the board, the opening being configured forreceiving X-ray film; and wherein the generally planar board is formedof a material which transmits X-rays therethrough and is configured fortaking X-rays of a patient which is lying on the board.
 13. The patienttransfer device of claim 12, wherein the generally planar board isapproximately six feet long and approximately two feet wide.
 14. Thepatient transfer device of claim 12, wherein the opening extends for amajority of the length of the board.
 15. The patient transfer device ofclaim 12, wherein the opening extends through the board and extendsthrough a second side of the board opposite the first side of the board.16. The patient transfer device of claim 12, further comprising handlesformed in the board.
 17. The patient transfer device of claim 13 furthercomprising handles formed in the ends thereof, and further comprisinghandles formed along the sides thereof.
 18. The patient transfer deviceof claim 16, wherein the opening passes through the board from a firstside of the board to a second side of the board.
 19. The patienttransfer device of claim 12, further comprising at least one armattached to the board and configured for holding X-ray film adjacent tothe board.
 20. A method for performing X-ray photography on a patient,the method comprising: placing a patient on a transport board; placingan X-ray film underneath at least an upper layer of the transport board;and passing X-rays through the patient and through the transport boardto thereby expose the X-ray film.
 21. The method of claim 20, whereinthe method further comprises transporting the patient on the transportboard.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the method comprises carryingthe transport board.
 23. The method of claim 20, wherein the methodfurther comprises placing X-ray film inside of the transport board.